Van Helvoirt steps down as head coach of Victoria Cougars

The Victoria Cougars announced today that Mark Van Helvoirt has stepped down from his head coaching position citing personal reasons.

Van Helvoirt played 175 games for the Cougars from 1998 to 2002 and in that time compiled 104 goals and 133 assists in 175 games. After his playing days were over, he became an assistant coach for four seasons before becoming head coach in 2006. Since then, he amassed a hugely successful 427-102-5-24 record.

Cougars’ president Gary Boyer had nothing but praise for his former player and coach stating that Van Helvoirt brought total professionalism and dedication to his roles with the club and wishes him nothing but success in his life moving forward.

In making his decision Van Helvoirt stated,

“It has truly been an incredible ride but with mixed emotions I have decided that the time has come for me to move on to a new chapter in my life.

I am so proud of what this organization has become and what it has accomplished. I cannot imagine there being a better organization or environment in which to coach. This organization is supportive, organized, understanding, and most importantly, filled with phenomenal people. You gave me every opportunity to succeed as a coach and I will be forever grateful for that.

To the board of directors, volunteers, past players, and current players: words cannot express on how grateful I am to have been part of this organization and a small part of your lives in some way.

I wish you all the best of luck and continued success in all aspects of your lives.”

The Cougars have announced that associate coach Suneil Karod will assume the head coaching position.

“Suneil has been with our program now for eight seasons and knows our inner workings very well. He fully understands the ethics, values, and principles that our organization stands for and we are confident that he will make this a very seamless transition,” Boyer said.

Associate coaches Thomas Kala and Jake Stolz as well as goaltending coach Bill Morrison remain with the club.

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